Grit Removal Identification and Removal Methods ERIN FLANAGAN, P.E. Northeast Biennial WEAT Conference May 7, 2014
Presentation Outline True Grit Particle Size Grit Material Comparison Settling Characteristics Grit Sampling Grit Removal Methods Q&A 50 Mesh 70 Mesh 100 Mesh 140 Mesh
True Grit Mattie Ross: Now I know you can drink whiskey and I saw you kill a rat, but all the rest has been talk. I'm not paying for talk. Industry defines grit as heavy mineral matter consisting of a variety of particles including sand, gravel, cinder, and other heavy, discrete inorganic/organic materials in domestic sewage. Removal of particles < 150 microns Largest fraction of grit is between 50 and 100 mesh SG Between 1.3 and 2.7 0.5 to 27 ft 3 of grit per MG for sanitary sewers
Damage Caused by Grit Forms dense deposits in basins, pipelines, and channels Abrades and binds mechanical equipment Takes up process volume which reduces level of treatment (primaries, aeration, digesters) Results in over-burdening equipment, excessive maintenance, labor, and part replacement - $$$
Increased Grit (times) When to Expect Grit Grit deposits in the collection system Average flows may only move a small portion of the grit load First Flush drastically increases grit load 50 40 30 20 10 0 Estimated Grit Increase vs. Peaking Factor 0 2 4 6 Peaking Factor
Particle Size How Small? Mesh vs. Microns Mesh is the number of openings per linear inch Micron (μ) is one-millionth of a meter (0.00004 in) Mesh Microns The larger the Mesh number, the smaller the particle! 40 420 60 250 65 210 80 177 100 149 120 125 140 105 200 74 0.0084 in
Grit Material Comparison Specific Gravity (SG) vs. Settling Velocity Specific Gravity of Various Materials Quartz Sand 1.20 Sand, wet 1.92 Limestone 1.55 Gravel 2.00 Granite 1.65 Asphalt 2.20 Clay 1.80 Concrete 2.40 Red Brick 1.90 Grit 2.65 Particle Size (microns) Aggregate Class Time Required to Settle 1 SG = 2.65 Time Required to settle 1 SG = 1.35 100 Fine Sand 38 Seconds 2 min. 48 sec.
True Grit Free Fall KEY: Not all grit is created equal. Silica Sand Wastewater Grit
True Grit Free Fall
Settling Characteristics Actual Settling Velocities: Material Settling Velocity (cm/sec) Particle Size Equivalency (Microns) Clean Sand-Expected 2.8 4.0 212 300 Clean Sand 2.4 3.9 190 275 River Sand 2.4 3.9 190 275 Grit < 0.14 1.4 40 135
Settling Characteristics Modeling Grit as Sand (Settling Characteristics): Clean Sand Particle Settling Velocity (Fast) CLEAN SAND Same Size Particles Grit Particle Settling Velocity (Slow) GRIT Sand Particle With Same Settling Velocity Sand Equivalent Size (SES) Grit settling velocity affected by: Shape Specific Gravity Fats, Oils & Grease
Grit Sampling Cross Channel Method 1 Cross Channel Sampling (CCS) Uses multiple siphoning ports to collect grit in the entire width and height of the water column. Attempts to minimize effects on existing channel velocities and currents. Courtesy of Black Dog Analytical
Grit Sampling VIS Method 2 Vertical Integrated Sampling (VIS) Single sampling location for full height of water column Calculated slot width Flow, Water Column W & H, Sample Pump Flow Courtesy of Black Dog Analytical
Grit Characterization Estimate removal efficiency of existing systems Predict removal efficiency and volume for new systems/mods Used to determine SES
Components of Grit Removal Systems Grit Removal System 1. Separation from Process Stream 2. Washing and Classification 3. Dewatering
Grit System Performance Capture efficiency in each process is critical. Example (150μ or 100 mesh): Removal 65% Washing 80% Dewatering 93% Net Effective Performance: Grit Capture 48% 48% 65% 93% Product of individual efficiencies provides total system performance. 80%
Grit Removal Methods Aerated Grit Mechanical Vortex Multiple Stacked Trays Aerated Grit Mechanical Vortex Multiple Tray
Aerated Grit Operational Principle: Introduction of air induces a rolling current. Organics are encouraged to remain suspended Grit particles are carried to the bottom of the tank for collection Performance: 95% of 210 micron (65 mesh) particles and larger Recent innovations in blower technology help reduce energy requirements. CFD an be used to model existing or new systems for proper placement of baffles and introduction of influent flows and air
Aerated Grit Advantages Consistent removal over a wide flow range Low organics removal Versatile process unit allowing for chemical addition, mixing, preaeration, etc. Disadvantages Very energy intensive High O&M demand on blowers and diffusers. Large footprint Low removal efficiency Odor production
Mechanical Vortex Courtesy of Hydro International
Mechanical Vortex Operational Principle: Hydraulics induce vortex and increase angular velocity of grit particles which causes them to reach the boundaries of the chamber and settle. Recent Innovations Baffled designs exhibit much improved grit removal efficiencies across a wide range of flow OUTLET BAFFLE Smith & Loveless Vortex 360 with Baffle
Mechanical Vortex Performance Particle Removal Efficiencies Particle Size 270 Vortex 360 Vortex 360 Vortex with Baffle 300μm or 50 mesh 95% 95% >95% 210μm or 70 mesh 85% 85% >95% 150μm or 100 mesh 65% 65% > 95% 105μm or 140 mesh <40% <40% 95% Several Manufacturers Advantages Smaller Footprint Proven technology Low headloss (< 1ft) No submerged bearings or mechanical parts From Smith & Loveless, Inc. Disadvantages Paddles may collect rags Poor scalability and turn-down capability of the weir units (improved for baffled units)
Multiple Stacked Trays Courtesy of Hydro International
Multiple Stacked Trays Operational Principle: Design induces slow, hydraulic vortex which allows particles to settle and cascade down stacked trays. One manufacturer (proprietary) Degritted Effluent Influent Concentrated Grit Underflow Courtesy of Hydro International
Multiple Stacked Trays Particle Removal Efficiencies: Particle Size HeadCell 300μ or 50 mesh > 95% 210μ or 70 mesh > 95% 150μ or 100 mesh > 95% 105μ or 140 mesh > 95% 75μ or 200 mesh* 95% *As claimed by manufacturer Advantages Smallest Footprint (easier to retrofit into existing structures) No moving parts High removal efficiencies Low Headloss (< 1ft) Courtesy of Hydro International Disadvantages Proprietary system Significant plant water demand for washing, classifying and dewatering equipment
Grit Handling - Washing, Classification Reduces organics, odor, and vectors Aids in compliance with increasing landfill restrictions and more stringent regulations Efficient handling can help maintain high net grit capture
Grit Handling - Washing, Classification Grit Snail TeaCup SlurryCup Grit Concentrator Grit Washer Conical Washer Dewatering Screw
Grit System Performance - Revisited Capture efficiency in each process is critical. Example (150μ or 100 mesh): Removal 65% 95% Washing 80% 95% Dewatering 93% 95% Net Effective Performance: Grit Capture 48% 86% 86% 48% 95% 65% 95% 93% 80% Product of individual efficiencies provides total system performance. 95%
Questions & Answers Erin Flanagan, P.E. Freese and Nichols, Inc. 2711 North Haskell Avenue, Suite 3300 Dallas, Texas 75204 214-217-2261 ecf@freese.com